Making Heaven My Future Home

By Barbara Keim

July 1, 2008

What a wonderful time of year when new life is springing up everywhere. In fact, not only is our family seeing new life all around us, but we also experienced it in our own home. On February 24, 2008 at 3:17 PM Ashlynn Rose was born and added to our family. She has brought much joy to the hearts of all who have met her including her big sister, Amy Elizabeth. Amy adores her and showers her with kisses every opportunity she gets.

I recently went to a conference and was reminded of so many truths in the Word of God. The scripture says that we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. He also says that He is the only way by which we are to be saved from hell. Jesus is the only name given under heaven by which we can be saved. What does the Bible say about being saved so we can go to heaven when we die?

John 8:31, 32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 10:7-11 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Romans 10:8-13 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Accepting the fact we are sinners in need of a Savior is where we begin. Realizing God sent our Savior some 2000+ years ago and believing that his death on the cross was the one and only payment for our sin that can be made. Understanding that there is nothing we can do other than believe it is through His shed blood on the cross that we are made righteous in the eyes of God. It is also realizing that a Christian commits his life daily to God through reading His Word, spending time with Him in prayer, and allowing the Holy Spirit to be our guide. The Bible says we are the temple of God and that the Holy Spirit dwells inside of us. He is the one who guides us into all truth the Bible says and teaches us and convicts us. We then live our lives according to the commandments He left us. The two greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love your neighbor as you love yourself. The Ten Commandments also tell us what our attitude should be first toward God and then towards other people.

Do you love God? Do you believe in Jesus? Start walking with God today and let the Holy Spirit guide your every step! Get excited about what Jesus has done for you on the cross! He died for you so you don't have to die an eternal death! He died to pay the price for every sin God already knew you were going to commit!

Your justification before God is going to come from your faith and belief in Jesus Christ, not from your works. Justification means we are made right in the sight of God. The only way we are made right in the sight of God is through Jesus. As Christians we should all be able to go to the same church with no divisions along denominational lines or cultural lines. This is what it will be like in heaven and this is what it should be like among Christians in the world today! If we want heaven to be our future home we have to live according to the rules God has set up for us to get there. God says, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father but by me! Pray and accept Jesus as your only way to heaven and then spend time with God in His Word and His Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth and He will teach you what His purpose is for you in the earth!!

Keywords: amish, amish voice, barbara keim, christian living, heaven, map ministry, mission to amish people, salvation